The upcoming season of the popular dance competition "Let's Dance" promises excitement and drama as it launches its 18th season, featuring the young contestant Diego Pooth and his professional partner Ekaterina Leonova. The excitement builds as fans look forward to their performance amid health challenges and parent-child dynamics.
Diego Pooth, the 21-year-old son of renowned television personality Verona Pooth, is determined to shine on the dance floor. He will showcase his Cha Cha Cha routine to "Step by Step" by New Kids on the Block on February 28, 2025. Diego expressed his enthusiasm about participating, saying, "I’ll give my best!" Yet, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for him and Ekaterina. Diego shared challenges they faced during their intense training regimen.
"She is very hard on training. There are almost no breaks," Diego commented about his partner, labeling her the "General" due to her strict approach. Recently, Ekaterina faced health issues which forced her boyfriend to step in as her dance partner temporarily. Diego recounted this unique experience, saying, "He was even tougher than her!" Thankfully, Ekaterina has since recovered and the pair is ready for their performance.
Diego Pooth has been candid about his struggles with learning dance steps, humorously referring to it as "dance dementia." He remarked, "I need lots of training. Ekaterina explains something and five minutes later I forget it!" The persistence and hard work he and Ekaterina have invested have created some chemistry between them, making the process enjoyable, even under pressure.
The competition isn't just fierce for Diego; other participants are also facing their own trials. Reality star Leyla Lahouar and singer Jeanette Biedermann will miss the first show due to illnesses, leaving only 12 pairs to perform. Their absences are disappointing to fans eager for the excitement of the competition.
Adding to the complexity of the show is Diego's mother, Verona Pooth, who recently published her book, "Die SUPERMILF," aimed at empowering women during menopause. She has expressed pride and support for Diego’s dance endeavors, even though she is currently abroad. Diego, reflecting on his mother's popularity, said, "She’s such a strong woman and I admire her so much. Both she and Ekaterina know what they want. If only I could have her support on-site!"
Verona released the book as part of her personal ambitions, repackaging the term "MILF" to signify empowerment. "We women need to support each other, not just through midlife," she said, remarking on her desire to celebrate and appreciate the changes women experience. This resilient attitude certainly influences Diego’s outlook going forward.
Even with the challenges on the show, the spirit and camaraderie among the contestants appear unshaken. Ekaterina herself recently opened up about her relationship with fellow dancer Ilya Viarmenich, emphasizing the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals: "He is not rich or famous. He is just my heart," she shared on her social media.
With all the updated developments, "Let's Dance" looks like it will be another thrilling season. The stakes are high, and contestants like Diego Pooth and Ekaterina Leonova will certainly keep audiences at the edge of their seats. Through hard work and perseverance, Diego aims not just to impress the judges, but also to carve out his own identity separate from his family name.
Whether or not Diego wins remains to be seen, but his mindset speaks volumes: he's ready to embrace this new chapter of his life, inspired not only by his mother’s strength but also by the determination of his dance partner. "Let's Dance" has evolved from just another show to become a captivating platform where dreams, talent, and family legacies intersect, and the Pooth family is once again making its mark.